School left 'devastated' after vandals flood classrooms with hose pipe

Part of the flooded area at Chandler CofE School in Witley (Image: Hugh Rawson)

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Classrooms at a junior school in Witley were left an inch under water after vandals placed a hose pipe through a bathroom window.

The carpets in two classes, an IT suite and a group teaching room at the Chandler CofE were left water-sodden and damaged by the incident, which occurred between Saturday afternoon (July 25) and Monday evening (July 27).

Hugh Rawson, head teacher at the Roke Lane school was working in his office on Monday and said he was ‘devastated’ when he found out where the flow of water was coming from.

“As I left I thought I would have a wander around the rest of the school and there was an inch of water in one of the classrooms,” Mr Rawson said. “At first I thought it was from all the bad weather we had. I then walked into the boy’s toilets and thought something had gone wrong.

“That’s when I saw a hose pipe that somebody had put through a window.”

Mr Rawson said money which could have gone towards other things, might have to be put towards new carpets and flooring if the insurance company does not cover it.

“I just thought that is going to take a lot of time, money and effort – if anything it just really affects the children,” he said. “Somebody decided it was a hilarious thing to do but they have not thought about the consequences.

“I felt disappointed.

“It’s the carpets which have suffered and they will need a good clean or replacing. There were some books that were ruined and children’s work floating in the water. Lino, flooring and carpets have also been water sodden. I managed to save most of the furniture by lifting it up.”

Although the head teacher said he could not put a price on the damage caused to the school, he said the vandalism is thought to have put Witley Judy Club £3,000 out of pocket.

Mr Rawson said: “The judo club had been at the school on Saturday morning and had left mats out because the school is closed and it is only in use for lettings.”

Upon hearing the news about the incident, residents, parents and do-gooders in the community have taken to social media to voice their condolences and try to help raise money for the damaged mats.

Mr Rawson added: “It’s absolutely wonderful and amazing the support that the community show. They are a great bunch.”